“After some long hard thoughts I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress `American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit,” Tyler said.

“I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.”

Mike Darnell, Fox Broadcasting’s president of alternative entertainment, called it a “tremendous honor” to have Tyler as a judge on “American Idol” for two seasons.

“He’s been a terrific judge, a true friend and great mentor to everyone involved with the show, and we know he’ll continue to be a huge inspiration to `Idol’ hopefuls for years to come,” Darnell said.

“We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock ‘n’ roll legend, he would go back to the music. We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime.”

Lopez made her decision public Friday morning when she called into Ryan Seacrest’s radio show on KIIS FM.

“I honestly feel like the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that I do,” Lopez said. “We had an amazing run.”